A popular and well-run hostel chain with multiple locations in Saint Petersburg, with the Nevsky branch being the most centrally located. Clean, safe, and friendly with helpful staff who can advise on everything from metro routes to museum tickets.
Friends Hostel on Nevsky is the flagship branch of a well-established Saint Petersburg hostel chain, located directly on Nevsky Prospekt and consequently one of the most centrally positioned budget accommodations in the city, within easy walking distance of Gostiny Dvor, Kazan Cathedral, and several metro lines. The building is a converted apartment in a period structure typical of the avenue, retaining tall windows and high ceilings, with the interior kept simple and functional rather than themed or design-led. Accommodation is dormitory-based with several bed configurations, along with a limited number of private rooms for guests wanting more privacy, all sharing communal bathrooms and a shared kitchen suitable for basic self-catering. There is no restaurant, bar, pool, or fitness center on site, keeping the hostel firmly in the no-frills, location-first category. What distinguishes Friends from many competitors is the consistency of its staff, who are known citywide for being unusually helpful with practical logistics — metro navigation, museum ticket strategy, and day-trip planning — reflecting the chain's long track record in the city. The atmosphere is friendly and functional rather than party-oriented, making it a solid choice for budget travelers and solo visitors who prioritize location and reliable service over amenities or nightlife.
Amenities
- kitchen
- common room
- wifi
- lockers
- tours
Location
Nevsky Prospekt, 105, Saint Petersburg, 191025
59.9257, 30.3668 View on map
Highlights
- Direct location on Nevsky Prospekt, unusually central for a budget hostel
- Long-established chain known for consistently helpful, knowledgeable staff
- Shared kitchen for self-catering
- Short walk to Gostiny Dvor, Kazan Cathedral, and multiple metro stations
Tips for visiting
- Book private rooms early if privacy matters — dorm beds make up most of the inventory
- Staff are a genuinely useful resource for planning museum visits and day trips, not just check-in
- The Nevsky Prospekt location means noise from the avenue can be noticeable in street-facing rooms
- This branch tends to book up faster than the chain's other locations due to its central position